Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Gen. R. Martin Umbarger presented the Minuteman Award to Jack Stump of Warsaw Thursday.
Umbarger, as adjutant general, is the highest-ranking military official in the state, in charge of all military activities and installations in the state.
The plaque beneath the 24-inch tall Minuteman statue reads: "In appreciation for your dedication and support to the men and women of the Army National Guard who serve to defend freedom."
Stump formed Enduring Freedom Supporters of Indiana in 2003, a nonprofit organization that accepted donations. The organization forwarded more than 500 packages to the local unit during the 1st Battalion 293rd Infantry's deployment to Iraq.
He is a lieutenant colonel in the Indiana Guard Reserve.
During the Vietnam War, Stump served in the U.S. Navy. He also volunteers for the Employers Support of Guard Reserve. The ESGR contacts employers who may have questions about their guardsman-employee's rights.
Umbarger thanked Stump for his exemplary service to these crucial volunteer organizations.
Umbarger flew from a meeting in Angola to the Warsaw Municipal Airport and traveled to the Warsaw Armory, arriving around noon.
Following lunch and the award presentation, civilians were asked to leave as the general briefed the ING members.
